Canastra

Canastra is a geographic region in central Minas Gerais, Brazil, most notably the Serra da Canastra, a highland area that forms part of the state's interior plateau. The landscape is characterized by escarpments, plateaus and river basins that feed several streams across the Cerrado biome.

Serra da Canastra National Park, created in 1972, protects portions of the range and its natural features. The park contains the headwaters of the São Francisco River and several waterfalls, including Casca d'Anta, one of its most visited sites. The setting features a mix of cerrado vegetation, rocky outcrops and seasonal cascades, attracting hikers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Queijo Canastra is a traditional Brazilian cheese produced in the Canastra region. Made primarily from cow's milk, often using raw milk, it is aged for varying periods to yield a range of textures from soft to semi-hard. The cheese is a hallmark product of the region, widely celebrated in Brazilian gastronomy and artisanal dairy networks.

Economically, the Canastra area relies on dairy farming, cheese production and ecotourism linked to the national park. Local communities maintain cultural practices around cheese-making and rural traditions, while visitors come to explore waterfalls, canyon scenery and wildlife. Conservation efforts focus on protecting water resources, Cerrado habitats and the integrity of traditional cheeses against unsustainable practices.